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Technology Executive Committee, 9th meeting
The Technology Executive Committee (TEC) held its 9th meeting on 18-21 August 2014, in Bonn,
Germany. Based on work undertaken intersessionnally by its task forces, the TEC will consider
many substantive issues, and will initiate the preparation of its annual report to COP 20. The
provisional agenda and meeting documentation is available via the link below.MoreView webcast

Fifteenth Meeting of the Plenary of the Compliance Committee
The 15th meeting of the plenary of the Compliance Committee was held in conjunction with the
16th meeting of the facilitative branch and the 25th meeting of the enforcement branch of the
Compliance Committee.More

Expert meeting on an information hub for information on results of the activities
referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70 and results-based
paymentsFollowing a request by the COP in the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus,
the secretariat organized an expert meeting on an information hub for information on REDD-plus
results and corresponding results-based payments from 2-3 September 2014. The overall objective
of the meeting was to consider technical and design questions in relation to the set-up of the
information hub.MoreView webcast

Eightieth meeting of the CDM Executive Board
The Executive Board of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) considered an update of its 2014
management plan, the status of CDM regional collaboration centres, and important regulatory
enhancements as it gathered in Bonn for its eightieth meeting 14-18 July 2014.Agenda and
documents under considerationView
webcast

Economic Ramifications of Climate Change Move Cities to Protect Businesses, Finds CDP
Report10 July 2014
The majority of the world’s major cities have disclosed that climate change presents a
physical risk to the businesses operating in their cities. This real and current threat is
driving local governments to take concrete action in response, according to a new report
entitled "Protecting our Capital."
Read more

Millennium Development Goals Report 2014 The report just published by
the UN shows that significant progress has been made across all goals and millions of lives
have been saved, but much more effort is needed to address the linked challenges of climate
change and sustainable development. Read the report

China and US Sign Deals on Climate Change 9 July 2014
Beijing, China
The United States and China this week signed eight partnership pacts to cut greenhouse gases,
bringing the world's two biggest carbon emitters closer together on climate policy.The
deals, which involve companies and research bodies, were signed in Beijing ahead of a two-day
visit to China by top Obama administration officials.Read
article

Staff at the UN Climate Convention Back Climate Neutral Campaign 9 July
2014
Bonn, Germany
Staff with the UN climate change secretariat are as of today signing up to an innovative
campaign aimed at promoting a long-term vision of a climate neutral world while generating
useful funding for vulnerable communities. Read press release

Business Leadership on Carbon PricingCaring for Climate seeks to mobilize a critical mass
of companies around the world to demonstrate leadership on climate action and to become
responsible advocates in global and local policy discussions in support of a global climate
change agreement in 2015.

In the lead up to the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit, the UN Global Compact and
Caring for Climate partners — CDP, The Climate Group, UN Foundation and WBCSD —
are calling on companies to demonstrate leadership in pricing the cost of carbon emissions as
a necessary and effective measure to tackle climate change.

The Business Leadership
Criteria on Carbon Pricing have been developed to inspire companies to reach the next
level of climate performance, and to give recognition to businesses that are at the forefront
of advocating a price on carbon. The Business Leadership Criteria complement a Statement on Putting a Price on
Carbon developed by the World Bank Group and other partners calling for countries and
companies to demonstrate strong global support and action toward pricing carbon.Read more

Climate Change Puts Decades of Development at Risk in Africa4 July
2014
Windhoek, Namibia
Climate change threatens to undo decades of earnest effort to develop Africa unless sufficient
investment can be mobilized to spur sustainable development and make the continent more
resilient. This was the message delivered to about 400 participants at the 6th Africa Carbon
Forum, gathered to share and learn the latest about market and financial opportunities
associated with the international response to climate change.Press
release

Norway Pledge for Green Climate Fund2 July 2014
Norway has announced that it will unveil its preliminary pledge for the Green Climate Fund at
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's climate summit in New York in September. The Fund, which
assists developing nations in fighting global warming, is on track to start raising cash in
November.Read
more

Renewables to Get Most of $7.7 Trillion Power Investments2 July
2014
Renewable energy may reap as much as two-thirds of the USD 7.7 trillion in investment forecast
for building new power plants by 2030 as declining costs make it more competitive with fossil
fuels, according to the forecasts in a report released by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. This
will help global carbon dioxide emissions peak by the end of the next decade.
Read more

Rhode Island Signs Off New Climate Change Law 26 June 2014
The US state of Rhode Island has passed a climate change act, outlining how it should cut
fossil fuel use and prepare for future extreme weather events. The law stipulates that
greenhouse gas emissions should be slashed 45% below 1990 levels by 2035, and 80% below 1990
levels by 2050.Read
more

New FAO forestry communication toolkit A new toolkit created by the
UN's Food and Agriculture Organization provides a wealth of resources and key messages on
issues of central importance to the forest sector. Through the toolkit, users can access expert
interviews on key forestry topics, videos from the field detailing macro issues and individual
projects, FAO publications, images, comprehensive statistics, maps and other useful
resources.See toolkit

Time to Act to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Recent scientific
assessments coordinated by UNEP have identified a number of “win-win” measures for
near-term climate protection and clean air benefits. Fast uptake of these cost-effective and
readily available measures, which target emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) in
key sectors, could bring rapid and multiple benefits for human well-being. View graphic
publication on benefits of reducing SLCPs (1582 kB) .

Risky Business Report: Risks to United States Economy from Climate
Change 24 June 2014
The U.S. economy faces significant risks from unmitigated climate change. The Risky Business
report presents a new approach to understanding these risks for key U.S. business sectors, and
provides business leaders with a framework for measuring and mitigating their own exposure to
climate risk.Read more

Historic UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi23-27 June 2014
Hundreds of environment ministers, decision makers, scientists, civil society representatives
and business leaders attended the inaugural meeting of the United Nations Environment Assembly
(UNEA), a new world body that places environmental issues at the heart of international
affairs. Held at UNEP headquarters under the theme "A Life of Dignity for All", UNEA
tackled major climate related issues such as air quality and pollution, environmental rule of
law and financing the Green Economy.Read
moreStatement
by UNEP Executive Director Achim SteinerClosing
remarks by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Photos of Alaska: Then and Now. Historical Images Chart Continuous Glacier
MeltMuir Glacier & Inlet in (1895)Here the west shoreline of Muir Inlet
in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is shown as it appeared in 1895.
Notice the lack of vegetation on the slopes of the mountains, and the glacier that stands more
than 300 feet high.

Muir Glacier & Inlet in (2005) In this photo, the west shoreline
of Muir Inlet in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is shown as it
appeared in 2005. Over the century since the first photo was taken, Muir Glacier ceased to
have a tidewater terminus. Note the lack of floating ice and the abundant vegetation on many
slopes.

View this
stunning set of then and now photos – taken by everyone from John Muir in 1879 to
later explorers like William Field and National Geographic's Bradford Washburn –
for first-hand evidence of the effects of climate change on our planet.

Brazil Achieves 70% Reduction in Amazon DeforestationJune 2014
A team of economists and scientists report in the US journal Science that Brazil has achieved a
70% reduction in Amazon deforestation since 2004 by simply not cutting down 86,000 square
kilometres of rainforest. This is, in effect, a 70% decline in deforestation, and in 2013 alone
such abstention amounted to a 1.5% drop in global carbon emissions. Read
more

South-South Renewables Trade Grows Faster than Global Trade as Developing Countries
Invest in Green Technology 25 June 2014
Nairobi, Kenya
Renewable energy (RE) trade among developing countries is growing faster than global and
north-south RE trade as developing countries, led by China, take advantage of decreasing
manufacturing costs, increased investment, and the falling costs of renewables, says a new
report released during the first United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).Read
press release

Climate-Smart Development Brings Major Benefits Says New Report
23 June 2014
Washington DC
Government policies that improve energy efficiency, waste management and public transport could
increase global economic output by more than USD 1.8 trillion per year, and also save lives,
reduce crop losses and tackle climate change, according to new analysis released 23 June from
the World Bank and the ClimateWorks Foundation.
Release |
Report | Executive Summary

FAO says energy production from wood must be improved23 June 2014
Rome, Italy
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) issued its flagship publication "The
State of the World's Forests" 23 June. Among other things, the report shows that a
significant proportion of the world population relies on forest products to meet basic energy
needs and that much needs to be done to improve wood energy production to make it more
sustainable.Read press release

Celebrating World Day to Combat Desertification 17 June 2014
The World Day to
Combat Desertification is being celebrated this year under the slogan “Land belongs
to the future - let's climate proof it." The World Day is observed annually on 17 June
to promote public awareness relating to international cooperation to combat desertification and
the effects of drought. It is a unique occasion to remind everybody that desertification can be
effectively tackled through strengthened community participation and co-operation at all
levels.View
video messages by Christiana Figueres and others

Rising number of initiatives by cities and better land management show pathways towards
carbon neutral future 15 June
Bonn, Germany
The ability of cities and the way smarter use of land can unlock greater action on climate
change now and into the future came to the fore in Bonn as governments work towards a new
agreement in Paris in 2015. Read press release (232 kB) fr (793 kB) sp (175 kB) rus (234 kB)

G77 50th anniversary celebration at Bonn conference 15 June
Bonn, Germany
At a special event on the final day of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Parties and
the UNFCCC secretariat celebrated the 50th anniversary of the G77 and China. During a festive
“huddle” in one of the plenary rooms, Christiana Figueres cut an anniversary cake
with Rene Orellana, the Chair of the G77 and China group and Head of the Bolivian delegation at
the UNFCCC. The G77 and China group was founded 15 June 1964 and since its inception has
expanded to 133 countries.

UNFCC SB40 bike rally promotes zero-carbon transport 9 June 2014
Bonn, Germany
In order to draw attention to cycling as a key solution to pollution in urban areas and other
options for sustainable urban transport, the UNFCCC secretariat organized a bike rally along
the Rhine 9 November. Cruising along the Rhine and joined by UNFCCC Executive Secretary
Christiana Figueres, SB 40 delegates could enjoy the benefits of a zero-carbon ride against the
scenic backdrop of the Rhine valley.More

Brazil paves way for better protection of forests in developing
countries 6 June 2014
Bonn, Germany
The government of Brazil has taken an important step towards improved national and global
forest and climate protection. Today it formally submitted key information and data on the
status of its greenhouse gas emission reductions in the forest sector to the UNFCCC
secretariat. Read press release

Figueres urges nations to greater Doha amendment ambition as Norway becomes 11th Party
to accept
Norway has become the 11th Party to the Kyoto Protocol (KP) to formally accept the amendment to
the Protocol adopted at CMP 8 in Doha, Qatar which paved the way for the KP's second
commitment period. The United Arab Emirates were first to accept the Doha amendment, followed
by Barbados, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Monaco, Sudan, Federated States of Micronesia, Kenya,
Honduras, China and now Norway. Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, Tine Sundtoft,
said: “Developed countries need to take the lead. This is why Norway took on new
commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. We encourage all other Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to
advance their ratification process rapidly." UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana
Figueres said: "I would like to congratulate Norway and the other ten nations who have
stepped up to their responsibilities and ratified the amendment. I would urge others, many of
whom worked diligently to secure the Doha amendment, to follow suit so that by COP 20 in Lima,
Peru we have the necessary 144 ratifications needed for the second commitment period of the
Kyoto Protocol to swiftly enter into force. There are many important steps needed and
milestones to be reached between now and the crucial Paris climate conference in 2015 and this
is one of them".

WED 2014--New UN Report Spells Out Risks and Opportunities for Small
Islands
5 June 2014
A new science assessment, compiled on behalf of the UN system by the UN Environment Programme
for World Environment Day, spotlights the range of risks facing small island developing states
from unchecked climate change from economic losses due to damaged coral reefs to those linked
with increasing severe weather events. The new Foresight report also underlines the huge social
and economic opportunities from a transition to a low carbon economy including the enormous
potential for greening electricity generation by harnessing the sun and the winds.Read
press release

Brazil Scores Some Early Goals in Campaign for
Carbon Neutral FIFA World Cup4 June 2014
Bonn, Germany
Host country Brazil has announced a strong start to its efforts to offset greenhouse gas
emissions from this summer's FIFA World Cup using carbon credits produced by projects
registered under the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism, or CDM. Read press release (137 kB)

IPCC AR5: Climate Change: Implications for AgricultureThe IPCC Fifth
Assessment Report is the most up-to-date, comprehensive and relevant analysis of our changing
climate. The effects of climate change on crop and food production are already evident in
several regions of the world. This
briefing from the University of Cambridge explores the specific trends that will affect the
agricultural sector.
Read more on the technical expert meeting on
land use taking place 11 June at the Bonn Climate Change Conference.

With developing world's policy support, global renewable energy generation capacity
jumps to record3 June 2014
The number of emerging economy nations with policies in place to support the expansion of
renewable energy has surged more than six-fold in just eight years, from 15 developing
countries in 2005 to 95 early this year. Those 95 developing nations today make up the vast
majority of the 144 countries with renewable energy support policies and targets in place, says
REN21's Renewables 2014

Ministers Join Next Round of UN Climate Talks Kicking Off in Bonn June
42 June 2014
Bonn, Germany
The next round of UN climate talks starts in Bonn on June 4, this time with the presence of
ministers who will discuss key political issues which can be resolved ahead of a successful,
new and universal climate agreement in Paris next year. The key focus of the meeting will be
raising ambition in areas of urbanization and land use. Press release (141 kB) esp (145
kB) fr (208 kB) rus (298 kB)

UN's New Climate Technology Centre Gets Its First Customers2 June
2014
Copenhagen/Bonn
Developing countries are now beginning to make active use of the UN's new global network
for climate technology solutions, the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN). This
constitutes a promising signal that momentum for climate action is building ahead of a new,
universal climate agreement in 2015. Press release (140 kB)

Last two years hottest in history says Australian Climate Council2 June
2014
Australia
A Climate Council report released today finds the last 24 months are shaping up to be the
hottest in Australia's recorded history, further evidence that climate change is already
influencing our weather.More

UNFCCC Newsletter: Focus on June sessions30 May 2014
This latest edition of the newsletter focuses on the mid-year negotiating sessions taking
place in Bonn from 4-15 June. It includes a video message by UNFCCC Executive Secretary,
Christiana Figueres, explaining how new components at the June session including high-level
ministerial engagement are poised to move the dialogue forward faster.Newsletter |
BoletínSubscribe | Suscripción

iPhone and iPad Application 'Negotiator' updated for June
sessions30 May 2014
Stay tuned and up-to-date by the minute on what's happening at the conference! Using the
application, users can among many other things:

UMass Boston - Choices Today Define Our Tomorrow30 May 2014
In her address at the University of Massachusetts Boston commencement ceremony, UNFCCC
Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres speaks about the power of individual choice in meeting
the global challenge of climate change and encourages graduates to use their own power of
choice to move the world towards a stable, low-carbon future. Statement
(124 kB)

The Resilient Cities 2014 - 5th Global Forum on Urban Resilience and
Adaptation29 May 2014
Bonn, Germany
The fifth Annual Global Forum on Urban Resilience and Adaptation is taking place from 29 to 31
May in Bonn. Resilient Cities is a milestone event connecting local government leaders and
climate adaptation experts to discuss adaptation challenges facing urban environments around
the globe.More

IETA's annual Market Sentiment Survey finds high expectations for markets in 2015
deal28 May 2014
Cologne, Germany
An overwhelming majority of members of the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA)
expect carbon markets to have a role in an international climate change deal, expected to be
agreed in Paris next year, according to IETA's ninth annual Market Sentiment Survey.Read press release

CO2 concentrations top 400 parts per million throughout northern
hemisphere
26 May 2014
Geneva, Switzerland
For the first time, monthly concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere topped 400
parts per million (ppm) in April throughout the northern hemisphere. This threshold is of
symbolic and scientific significance and reinforces evidence that the burning of fossil fuels
and other human activities are responsible for the continuing increase in heat-trapping
greenhouse gases warming our planet.Read WMO press release

Climate Change: Implications for Fisheries and Aquaculture
May 2014
London, United Kingdom
Climate change and acidification are altering ocean ecosystems in profound ways, with major
impacts on fisheries and aquaculture, including displacement of stocks and mortality of
shellfish from acidic water. These key findings from the recently released IPCC Fifth
Assessment Report (AR5) revealing the growing threat of climate change to fisheries and
aquaculture are contained in a new briefing issued by the University of Cambridge.More

UN Climate Chief says UN Registry shows huge potential to scale up support to
developing world for climate action23 May 2014
A new UN Registry which records and matches offers of support from developed nations to the
stated plans of developing countries to reduce and limit greenhouse gas emissions has recorded
the first such agreed cooperation between Austria and Georgia. Media alert (135 kB)

Message of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, on the occasion of
the International Day for Biological Diversity
22 May 2014
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon highlights the plight of small island nations under the
connected threats of environmental decay, climate change and species loss and outlines the
urgent solutions to the problem. His message to mark the International Day for Biological
Diversity also falls in the International Year of Small Island Developing States.Read message

Legislators from 100 countries to place national legislation at heart of a 2015 global
agreement on climate change
21 May 2014
Mexico
At the 2nd World Summit of Legislators from 6-8 June hosted by the Mexican Congress and
organized by the Global Legislators Organization (GLOBE), senior legislators from over 100
countries will politically test a new model for an international climate change agreement that
has national legislation at its heart.Read article

Christiana Figueres welcomes completion of GCF, calls for speedy
capitalization21 May 2014
Bonn, Germany
The Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) completed the essential policy requirements to make
the fund operational at its meeting in Songdo, Republic of Korea on Wednesday. UNFCCC Executive
Christiana Figueres welcomed the completion of the fund, and called for its speedy initial
capitalization. Read media alert (133 kB)

Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day10-11 May 2014
World Migratory Bird Day, an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the
protection of migratory birds and their habitats, will be celebrated around the world on 10-11
May. This year's theme is: "Destination Flyways – Migratory Birds and
Tourism," underlining the mutually beneficial relationship between tourism and
conservation.Visit official website Read statement by Christiana Figueres

UNFCCC's Christiana Figueres explains what can be done to lever investor capital to
fight climate change8 May 2014
Earlier year in New York, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres called on investors to
move out of high-carbon assets and into assets built on renewable energy, energy efficiency and
more sustainable ways of business that green global supply chains. In an interview with
responsibleinvestor.com, Ms. Figueres explains what can be done to lever this capital to fight
climate change.Read the interview

Carbon Tracker Launch Event - Carbon Supply Cost Curve8 May 2014
In London, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres helped launch a report on how the
growing momentum towards low-carbon will affect the oil industry. In her opening remarks, Ms
Figueres underscored the reasons to act on climate change and applauded the effort by Carbon
Tracker to take the world further down the pathway to a carbon friendly future. Statement (113 kB)

St Paul's - Climate Change: Building the Will for Action7 May
2014
London, United Kingdom
In a special address at St Paul's Cathedral in London, UNFCCC Executive Secretary
Christiana Figueres spoke about the relationship between the science of climate change and the
moral imperative to safeguard healthy social and economic growth. She highlighted the
leadership potential of individuals and institutions, including faith groups, to help put the
world on a path to low-carbon. Statement (129 kB)

New Interactive Map Showing National Ambitions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas
EmissionsThe global ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must be raised
rapidly to meet the goal of staying below an average 2 degree temperature rise. You can check
to see what individual countries themselves have put forward as their current levels of
ambition on this new, interactive map.Interactive World
Map Showing Pre-2020 Action by Countries

Adaptation - Time to Better Back Local Communities30 April 2014
Kathmandu, Nepal
In remarks to the Eighth International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation, UNFCCC
Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres speaks about how public and private finance, alongside
government policy, can build resilience to climate change and put communities on a low-carbon
pathway. Statement
(188 kB) View video on Youtube Press release (204 kB)

NRDC, BlackRock and FTSE Jumpstart Mainstream Climate-Conscious
Investing29 April 2014
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), BlackRock and FTSE Group, the global index
provider, partnered today in launching the first equity global index series that will exclude
companies linked to exploration, ownership or extraction of carbon-based fossil fuel reserves.
The new investment tool will allow climate-conscious investors, including foundations,
universities and certain pension groups, to match their investment strategy and financial
interests with their values.More

UNFCCC Helps The Climate Group Celebrate 10 Years of Success
28 April 2014
In remarks to The Climate Group at their 10th anniversary celebration, UNFCCC Deputy Executive
Director Richard Kinley highlights why the involvement of business and subnational government
is crucial for the climate talks and urges The Climate Group to step up active leadership and
support as governments work towards a new climate change agreement. Statement (131 kB)

Top UN Climate Official Urges Academic Institutions to Divest from Coal
16 April 2014
Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island is today hosting an event entitled Governing
Climate Change: New Ideas and Latin American Leadership as Peru Prepares to Host the 2014 UN
Climate Negotiations. UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres will join the event via
video link and will speak in the wake of the latest sobering scientific findings by
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its 5th Assessment Report. Press release (249 kB)Webcast

Brazil Kicks Off Carbon Neutral Goal for FIFA World Cup
16 April 2014
The globe's biggest sporting event – the FIFA World Cup – is aiming to offset
its greenhouse gas emissions this summer in a move that should inspire more event organizers to
undertake high-profile climate action. Press release (142 kB)

25 April 2014: Webinar on the design of the in-session workshop(s) on long-term climate
finance in 2014
The secretariat is holding a webinar for Parties and observers on Friday 25 April to gather
views on the design of the in-session workshops on long-term climate finance. The summary of
the workshops will inform the high-level ministerial dialogue on climate finance in Lima.More

Earth Day 2014 - Greening Our CitiesEvery year on 22 April, over a
billion people in 190 countries take action for Earth Day that focuses on the unique
environmental challenges of our time. As the world's population migrates to cities, and
as the sobering reality of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the need to create
sustainable communities is more important than ever. Earth Day 2014 will seek to do just that
through its global theme: Green Cities.Visit Earth Day websiteMore on the recent
international Mayors Summit

Opportunities for action on urban environment will also feature prominently during the
upcoming UN climate change conference in Bonn in June.Read more

Secretary General Says 2015 Climate Agreement Must be Ambitious and
Achievable11 April 2014
The world's Governments have pledged to reach a universal legal climate agreement by 2015.
This agreement must be both ambitious and achievable because, at the same time, addressing the
climate challenge presents a golden opportunity to promote prosperity, security and a brighter
future for all, says Ban Ki-moon.Statement

The United Nations Launches Decade of Sustainable Energy for All9 April
2014
The initiative, running from 2014 to 2024, is aimed at promoting renewable energy and energy
efficiency worldwide, with a forum to take place annually. The first forum is starting this
coming June.
Read more

Renewable Energy Market Share Climbs Despite 2013 Dip in Investments
7 April 2014
Frankfurt / New York
Renewable energy's share of world electricity generation continued its steady climb last
year despite a 14 per cent drop in investments to USD 214.4 billion, according to a new report
released today by the FS-UNEP Collaborating Centre for Climate & Sustainable Energy
Finance. Press release (619 kB) Read report

As WHO Marks World Health Day, UNFCCC Welcomes Nepal's 150,000 Energy Efficient
Cookstoves in Country's First CDM Project
7 April 2014
The first programmatic Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project in Nepal has been launched
this week and will provide energy efficient cookstoves to 150,000 households. According to the
World Health Organization, over 4 million people die
prematurely from illness attributable to the household air pollution from cooking with solid
fuels.
Read article
Read more on recent ADP renewable energy
technical expert meeting
Read more on recent ADP energy
efficiency technical expert meeting
Visit the secretariat's portal
on global cooperative initiatives
Visit the Momentum for
Change website for inspiring examples of global climate action on the ground

Youth Climate Campaigner on Expedition to NorthPole7
April 2014
Armed with a UN flag lent by the UNFCCC secretariat, 15-year-old Felix Finkbeiner speaks from
the North Pole: "I am here to raise awareness among young people about climate change and
the risks to the future of children everywhere. I implore world leaders to complete unfinished
business - to put in place actions and funding to deliver a low carbon century at the UN
climate conference in Paris in 2015. I want to thank Christiana Figueres and her staff for
providing a UN flag and for the important work they're doing towards a better world for
everyone."View
short video messageVisit Plant for the Planet
websiteVisit Expedition Hope website

EU Backs Increased Climate Cooperation with Africa, China and the US7
April 2014
During a series of high-level meetings in Brussels last week, the EU backed increased
cooperation on climate change with Africa, China and the US in the run-up to COP 21 in
Paris.
Following an EU-Africa ministerial summit 2-3 April, the EU and Africa said they were
committed to initiate or intensify domestic preparations for their intended nationally
determined contributions towards achieving the ultimate objective of the UNFCCC and to
communicate them well in advance of COP 21, by the first quarter of 2015. Read more

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Brussels last week. In a joint Chinese-EU statement
published 2 April, both sides recognized the need to strengthen cooperation on climate change
ahead of COP 21.They underlined their commitment to making significant cuts in greenhouse gas
emissions through credible and verifiable domestic action and agreed on the importance of all
parties presenting their contributions well in advance of the Paris meeting.Read more

Also in Brussels, the EU-US Energy Council reaffirmed its mutual determination to work
towards the adoption in Paris in 2015 of a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed
outcome with legal force under the UNFCCC applicable to all Parties, to strengthen the
multilateral, rules-based regime.Read
more

Address to Generation Client Conference
4 April 2014
London, United Kingdom
Speaking to clients of Generation Investment Management, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana
Figueres highlighted the importance of pointing global finance flows towards green investments
and green business models. She called on investors to actively work towards this goal over the
next 18 months to build confidence that increases ambition in national policy. Statement (128 kB)

Christiana Figueres Calls on Oil and Gas Industry to Undertake Radical Transformation
towards New, Sustainable Energy Mix3 April 2014
London, United Kingdom
In an address to the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social
issues (IPIECA), UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres called on the oil and gas
industry to undertake a radical transformation towards a new, sustainable energy mix in order
to align itself with the physical and political realities of climate change. Statement
(118 kB) Press release (201 kB)

Christiana Figueres Says Latest IPCC Findings Point to Extreme Climate Risk, Plethora
of Opportunities for Climate Action
31 March 2014
Bonn, Germany
UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres today said the latest government-approved
science more clearly than ever points to the extreme risks posed by climate change, as well as
the many opportunities to put the world on a safer and more resilient path. Press release (142 kB)

UN Climate Change Secretariat to Showcase Worldwide Climate Action: Call for
Applications Now Open
31 March 2014
Bonn, Germany
Starting today, communities, businesses and governments that are taking the lead on tackling
climate change can apply to have their game-changing projects recognized by the UN Climate
Change secretariat. The secretariat's Momentum for Change initiative officially opened
the call for applications for its 2014 Lighthouse Activities Press release (123 kB) esp (197 kB) fr (195 kB)Watch Google
Hangout with Christiana Figueres

In Year of Climate Ambition, Cape Town Blazes a Trail for Urban Action
28 March 2014
Vancouver/Bonn/New York
Three prominent personalities in the field of climate action congratulated Cape Town for
winning this year's Earth Hour City Challenge. The Earth Hour City Challenge is a year-long
competition to promote renewable energy and prepare for climate change. Joint press release (1005 kB)

Address to opening plenary of IPCC Working Group II in Japan
25 March 2014
In a video address to the opening plenary of the IPCC's Working Group II in Japan, UNFCCC
Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres thanked all the scientists for their hard work in
completing this second instalment of the Fifth Assessment Report on impacts, adaptation and
vulnerability. She said this report, together with the contribution of WG III expected to be
adopted in two weeks in Berlin, will shine unprecedented light on how we can meet the climate
change challenge.View video

Address to Generation Client Conference
4 April 2014
Speaking to clients of Generation Investment Management, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana
Figueres highlighted the importance of pointing global finance flows towards green investments
and green business models. She called on investors to actively work towards this goal over the
next 18 months to build confidence that increases ambition in national policy.
Read more

Climate change is putting world at risk of irreversible changes, scientists
warn18 March 2014
In a rare intervention into a policy debate, the American Association for the Advancement of
Scientists urged Americans to act swiftly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – and lower
the risks of leaving a climate catastrophe for future generations.More

World Meteorological Day Focuses on Youth23 March 2014
"Weather and Climate: Engaging Youth" is the theme of World Meteorological Day 2014,
seeking to increase awareness among young people about climate change and mobilize them as
champions for action.Read press release| Visit new WMO Youth Corner in 6 languages

WMO Annual Climate Statement Highlights Extreme Events
The year 2013 once again demonstrated the dramatic impact of droughts, heat waves, floods and
tropical cyclones on people and property in all parts of the planet, according to the WMO's
Annual Statement on the Status of the Climate. The report confirms that 2013 tied with 2007 as
the sixth warmest on record, continuing the long-term global warming trend. It provides a
snapshot of extreme events as well as details of ice cover, ocean warming, sea level rise and
greenhouse gas concentrations – all inter-related indicators of our changing
climate.Read press release| Summary and full reports available here

International Day of Forests21 March 2014
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 21 March the International Day of Forests.
This new global celebration of forests builds on the success of the International Year of
Forests in 2011, and provides a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of
forests and of trees outside forests.Visit official
website

New Report by the International Resource Panel (IRP) Provides Routes to Integrating
REDD+ into Green Economy Approaches21 March 2014
According to a new IRP report, an investment of USD 30 billion per year - under seven per cent
of the USD 480 billion paid in annual global fossil fuel subsidies - in the REDD+ forest
conservation initiative can speed up the global transition to green and sustainable growth and
ensure the long-term wellbeing of tens of millions in developing countries. View publication| View press release|More on
REDD+

This is also a moment for reflection. Four fifths of the forest that covered almost half of
the Earth's land surface eight thousand years ago have already been irreplaceably
degraded or destroyed. Read
more

Negotiations towards new universal climate agreement in 2015 get
underway14 March 2014
Countries got down to the business of fleshing out how a new universal agreement on climate
change might look by the deadline of Paris 2015 as part of worldwide efforts to keep a global
temperature rise under 2 degrees Celsius this century. Press release (161 kB)

Decisive Action Needed on New Climate Deal, Say Ministers and Experts13
March 2014
Los Cabos, Mexico
Clear, decisive and urgent action on agreeing a new global climate deal is essential to
minimize the impacts of climate change and protect the world's most vulnerable populations,
some of the world's top authorities on climate change said during a meeting of environment
ministers in Mexico.Press release

Call for projects: NAMA registry announces 1 million Euros from the Government of
AustriaThe Republic of Austria has offered Euro1 million of support for the
preparation of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) under the registry. The
registry matches NAMAs in need of support with funders willing to provide that support. The
funds from Austria represent an active call to developing countries to bring forward requests
for funding.More

Executive Secretary urges national legislatures to build greater political space for a
strong 2015 climate agreement by swift ratification of amendment to Kyoto
Protocol24 February 2014
Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres has urged national legislatures to swiftly ratify the
Doha
Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol, which establishes a second commitment period and
introduces legal changes required for its implementation."We need national legislatures to
support the agreements which have already been made under the international climate
negotiations. The amendment is particularly important because it underlines the continued
commitments of industrialized countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions," she
said.

Executive Secretary opens ADP Meeting, starting 2014 climate change talks in
Bonn10 March 2014
At the opening of the fourth part of the second session of the ADP in Bonn, Germany, UNFCCC
Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres highlighted that Parties are not acting alone on
climate change and urged governments to work together in the spirit of cooperation.Statement (110 kB)

Why women are the secret weapon to tackling climate change6 March
2014
As countries around the world look to celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March, in an
editorial for CNN UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres speaks about the importance of
reflecting on the unique position of women when it comes to climate change, and highlights some
inspiring examples of action led by women who are already experiencing the effects of climate
change and developing solutions to address them.More

UNFCCC celebrates International Women's DayThe UNFCCC secretariat
joins this year's celebrations of International Women's Day on 8 March by highlighting
women's inspiring actions and the importance of gender equality for addressing climate
change. The theme of this year's International Women's Day - 'Equality for women is
progress for all' - is particularly pertinent when it comes to climate action.Read
more

UNFCCC Newsletter: Focus on March session of the ADP5 March 2014
The focus in this latest edition of the newsletter is on the first session in 2014 of the Ad
Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP), taking place in Bonn from
10-14 March. It features a video message by UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Christiana Figueres, as
well as an in-depth article by the ADP Co-Chairs, Mr. Kishan Kumarsingh of Trinidad and Tobago
and Mr. Artur Runge-Metzger of the European Union.Newsletter | BoletínSubscribe | Suscripción

First round of UN climate change negotiations in 2014 set to kick off in
Bonn5 March 2014
Bonn, Germany
This year's UN climate change negotiations kick off in Bonn next week, marking the
beginning of an intense year of conferences and summits designed to lead to a meaningful,
universal agreement in Paris in late 2015. The meeting (10 – 14 March) will include work
towards the new global climate agreement, to enter into force from 2020, and work to find ways
to boost immediate, effective climate action. Press release (159 kB)

South Sudan deposits its instrument of accessionSouth Sudan deposited
its instrument of accession to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change on
17 February 2014. The Convention will enter into force for South Sudan on
18 May 2014. South Sudan's accession will bring the number of Parties to
the Convention - both States and regional economic integration organizations - to 196, as of
18 May 2014. A full list of the Parties who have ratified or acceded to the Convention can be
found here.

2nd GLOBE Legislation Summit
27 February 2014
Washington D.C. USA
Speaking at the launch of the 4th GLOBE Climate Legislation Study and the Partnership for
Climate Legislation in Washington D.C., UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres
underlined the key role of national legislation in reaching a 2015 climate agreement. She urged
legislators to cut through partisan divide with practical truth and recognize climate action as
sound economic, security, health and development policy. Statement

Royal Society and US National Academy of Sciences release joint publication on
climate change27 February 2014
The Royal Society and the US National Academy of Sciences have released a joint publication
that explains the clear evidence that humans are causing the climate to change, and that
addresses a variety of other key questions commonly asked about climate change science.More

Climate talks in Paris look promising25 February 2014
The wild weather being witnessed across the globe - from Australia's hottest summer to
Britain's wettest winter - is spelling out some of the sobering impacts facing everyone
from unchecked climate change. In a joint editorial, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana
Figueres and Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer of Unilever, talk about how the
unprecedented impacts are a wake-up call to all of us.More

UN kicks off International Year to raise profile of small island developing
countries
24 February 2014
While drawing attention to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the International
Year of Small Island Developing States – which kicked off today at the United Nations
– is also a chance to address increasing environmental degradation, and social and
economic marginalization in those countries.More

Green Climate Fund Board takes key decisions on operations
and makes progress on 'Essential Eight'22 February 2014
Bali, Indonesia
The Board of the Green Climate Fund met in Indonesia to progress the eight essential
requirements for its initial resource mobilization and take fundamental decisions to advance
the institution's operations. More

Dynamic new platform to protect forests worldwide
21 February 2014
Washington D.C., USA
The World Resources Institute (WRI), Google, UNEP and a group of more than 40 partners
yesterday launched Global Forest Watch (GFW), a dynamic online forest monitoring and alert
system that empowers people everywhere to better manage forests. For the first time, Global
Forest Watch unites the latest satellite technology, open data and crowdsourcing to guarantee
access to timely and reliable information about forests.More

High-level ministerial engagement at the June sessions
10 February 2014
The high-level ministerial round table on increased ambition of Kyoto Protocol commitments
(mandated by Decision 1/CMP.8, para. 10) will take place on Thursday 5 June. The high-level
ministerial dialogue on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (mandated by Decision
1/CP.19, para. 7) will take place on Friday 6 June. Further information on these events will
be made available soon. The COP 19/CMP 9 President, Mr. Marcin Korolec, will preside over
these two high-level events.

Christiana Figueres speaks at the C40 Cities Mayors Summit
5 February 2014
In remarks to mayors of the world's largest cities gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa,
UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres recognizes the leadership of cities in advancing
the global climate change agenda and outlines specific actions cities can take to become more
vocal in the international dialogue regarding climate change response. Statement (147 kB)

COP 19 and CMP 9 Reports published
31 January 2014
The Reports of COP 19 and CMP 9 are now available online. The
Reports contain the COP 19 and CMP 9 decisions taken at the Warsaw Conference and the
proceedings from the sessions of COP 19 and CMP 9.

UN Secretary-General visits Bonn UN Campus
31 January 2014
Bonn, Germany
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the UN Campus in Bonn today and spoke to UN staff in
the new UNFCCC headquarters building. He called on staff to rise to three core challenges: To
help implement the existing Millennium Development Goals, help design the new Sustainable
Development Goals and help conclude the 2015 global climate change agreement.

Michael Bloomberg appointed Special Envoy for Cities & Climate
Change
31 January 2014
The former Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, has been appointed Special Envoy for Cities
and Climate Change by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. His mission: to spur the major cities
of the world, responsible for around 70% of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, to
greater climate action - also in support of an effective global climate agreement in 2015More

UN's Top Climate Official Welcomes Appointment of Jukka Uosukainen as Director of
New Climate Technology Centre and Network
17 January 2014
Bonn, Germany
Jukka Uosukainen, a Finnish national, has been chosen as the Director of the Climate Technology
Centre and Network (CTCN).
His appointment was today welcomed by UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres.

Safeguarding Future Retirement Funds – Time for Investors to Move Out of
High-Carbon Assets Says UN's Top Climate Official
15 January 2014
New York, USA
The UN's top climate change official Christiana Figueres today urged
investors to accelerate the greening of their portfolios as one crucial step towards a
low-carbon economy that can better cope with the threats and seize the opportunities from
climate change. Press release (151 kB)

Bloomberg: Global carbon market set for 15 per cent upturn13 January
2014
According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), the global carbon market will be worth Euro
46bn in 2014, rising 15 per cent from last year's rock bottom value of Euro 40bn. Prices
now stand at around Euro 5 per tonne of CO2, but BNEF expects them to rise to Euro 7.50 a tonne
during the course of the year as the reduction in the number

Surge in global solar market forecast by Deutsche Bank10 January
2014
Leading investment house Deutsche Bank has dramatically lifted its demand forecasts for the
global solar industry. It cited 5 principal reasons for its raised forecasts, which would see
the global solar market almost double in size from 2012 to 2015.More